The Government of India has provided a ferry facility to Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) soldiers deployed in Kashmir Valley. The soldiers going on leave from Kashmir will be commuted to the nearby destination using an MI-17 helicopter to avoid IED attacks.
This decision was taken by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and an order has been issued by CRPF. “In view of the new threat from Magnetic IEDs and RCIEDs, Inspector General has desired ferrying of leave jawans through MI-17 helicopter to minimize the risk of IEDs on the convoy. Accordingly, three days per week have been earmarked for the transportation of troops,” said a letter issued by CRPF.
On 14th February 2019, Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) attacked a CRPF convoy on the Jammu-Srinagar highway near Pulwama in South Kashmir, killing 40 jawans.
This step is an initiative taken to ensure the safety of soldiers from considerable threats like IEDs and Magnetic IEDs and it will avoid convoy movement by road.
